Fr. Stephen De Young

Fr. Stephen De Young, a priest and author focused on St. Paul and Second Temple Judaism, dives deep into the complexities of St. Paul's writings. He challenges common misunderstandings by positioning Paul within his historical context as a Pharisee. The conversation reveals how misinterpretations stemming from the Protestant Reformation have influenced key Christian divisions. Fr. Stephen also emphasizes St. Paul's teachings on faith, community, and inclusivity, encouraging a more nuanced understanding that aligns with Jesus' vision.

Fr. Andrew Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young discuss gods, angels, and demons, challenging the concept of monotheism in traditional Christianity. They delve into reclaiming Orthodox narratives, exploring hybrid spiritual beings, analyzing the significance of the Book of Enoch, and discussing encounters with divine beings in ancient cultures. The podcast also highlights the power of priestly duties in spiritual warfare and the impact of ritual behavior on shaping reality.

Fr. Stephen De Young, a theologian specializing in ancient texts, joins to discuss the importance of extra-Biblical literature, especially the Book of Jubilees. He emphasizes a more ancient approach to theology through story and ritual, rather than modern academic arguments. The conversation highlights how Jubilees expands biblical narratives and connects themes like creation and prophecy to contemporary spirituality. De Young also critiques modern interpretations, advocating for a deeper engagement with these ancient texts to enrich our understanding of faith.

Guest Fr. Stephen De Young, a writer and speaker, discusses the sexual and revolutionary symbolism in the Bible, particularly the story of Ham uncovering his father's nakedness. They explore the significance of incest at the beginning of scripture and confusion as sin in the end. The podcast also delves into the symbolism of authority and sexual availability, the importance of marriage, and the dangers of staying in an echo chamber.

Fr. Stephen De Young, a priest and consultant for the Amazon show House of David, dives deep into the lesser-known narratives of King David. He unpacks the moral complexities behind the destruction of the Amalekites and discusses the role of giants in biblical stories. The conversation questions traditional Sunday school lessons and explores David’s cunning strategies against Goliath. With rich insights from Orthodox perspectives, this dialogue reshapes our understanding of biblical tales and their cultural implications.